Time and Space Event 2019

It was a privilege to welcome Bill and Lisa Jennings to Haberdashers’ this week. Bill Jennings founded Time & Space in 2006 and has been working internationally since 2013. His programmes offer parents/mentors and their sons the opportunity to spend an evening together in structured conversation.

On Monday 18 November, Year 7 pupils and their mothers/mentors enjoyed their evening while on Tuesday 19 November, Year 8 pupils and their fathers/mentors, had their turn. The focus of the events was to support parents/mentors and their sons in how communicate effectively with some suggestions for how to create Time &Space to allow this to happen.

Both evenings opened with icebreakers followed by a chance to hear the experiences from a parent and pupil panel. A highlight of both evenings was the one to one conversations between parents/mentors and their sons.

Here are some examples of questions that the boys could ask their parent/mentor:

What do you remember about my first days of nursery, pre-school or creche? What was it like for you when you said goodbye to me? Do you remember any details about that time?
What is the best thing for you about being my parents/mentor?
What is the hardest thing for you about being my parent/mentor?

These are some of the questions that parents/mentors could ask the sons:

What are you passionate about?
What are the things in life that you really love doing – that make you feel alive? What things do you need me for?
What things can you do on your own now? Who are the important people in your life now? Who has been important to you in the past?

The events on both evenings culminated in a very special time dedicated to the sharing of treasures between the parent/mentor and son. These treasures, kept secret until the end of the evening, included photos, certificates, cricket bats and even a first tooth. The feedback from parents/mentors, sons and Sixth Form helpers has been excellent.

One mother commented, ‘It was really wonderful to get a child’s perspective from someone other than your own child.’ Another mother wanted to give, ‘a special mention for the two Upper Sixth boys that led our group session who were so friendly and articulate and helpful. It is heart-warming to think that our younger boys will grow into such lovely young men.’

Feedback from a Year 7 boy said, ‘My mum and I had a wonderful time including getting to know other boys and their mums. My favourite part was sharing the treasure.’ Another boy said, ‘The time and space event exceeded my expectations. It was an extraordinary experience, which I am sure I will never forget.’

One of the most touching pieces of feedback came from a Year 12 who said, ‘If I could go back it would have been something I would have loved to have done with my mum.’

Thank you very much to Bill and Lisa for bringing your wonderful event to the School. The challenge for our Junior School boys is to keep making Time & Space for one to one conversations. We wish them luck.

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